Dropdown arrow

For over a decade, it has loomed in the imaginations of engineers, politicians, commuters, and residents on both sides of the Detroit River. Now, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is no longer a future vision—it’s almost a reality.

Slated to wrap up construction in September 2025, the six-lane, bi-national infrastructure behemoth is entering its final construction phase. Once complete, it will redefine how people, goods, and communities connect between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario.

Gordie Howe International Bridge, Facebook

A Bridge Years in the Making

It’s no small feat to build a bridge that’s 1.5 miles long, spans an international border, and carries the weight of both regional economies and political expectations. Construction on the Gordie Howe Bridge officially began in 2018, and over the last six years, the transformation has been nothing short of monumental.

In August 2024, a critical milestone was reached: the bridge deck was officially connected. This monumental moment symbolized more than just steel and concrete meeting in mid-air—it was a unifying gesture across two countries, a culmination of planning, labor, and relentless coordination.

Why This Bridge Matters

Named in honor of Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played the bulk of his career with the Detroit Red Wings, the bridge isn't just a tribute to a sports icon—it’s a much-needed second crossing that will compete with the Ambassador Bridge, the aging private span that currently shoulders most of the traffic between Detroit and Windsor.

Once operational, the bridge is projected to handle 60% of the traffic currently managed by the Ambassador, including an estimated 6,000 daily commuters from Ontario to Michigan. This not only diversifies trade and commuter routes but also enhances national security, boosts redundancy in infrastructure, and opens new possibilities for economic collaboration.

Engineering and Scale: North America’s Next Great Span

When completed, the Gordie Howe Bridge will take its place among the top 10 longest bridges in North America. Rising 720 feet above the river with towers that will become new landmarks for the skyline, its 150-foot clearance over the Detroit River provides ample room for the bustling cargo shipping lanes that pass below.

What makes this project especially unique is its designation as the largest land port between Canada and the United States. By connecting I-75 in Detroit with Highway 401 in Windsor, the bridge will act as a direct pipeline for commercial and personal travel alike.

Gordie Howe International Bridge, Facebook

Final Touches Underway

As of Spring 2025, the bridge is in its final sprint. Key features being installed include:

Stay cables—the thick, tensioned lines that keep the deck secure.
Fire suppression systems, lighting, electrical wiring, and drainage infrastructure.
A multi-use path that will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.
Protective coatings and weatherproofing on structural components.

According to Heather Grondin, the Chief Relations Officer for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), the team remains on track for September. However, she clarified that the precise opening date—likely October or November—depends on weather, seasonal work, and the final testing of systems.

Ports of Entry: Function Meets Efficiency

On both the Canadian and U.S. sides, the port of entry facilities are in their finishing stages. Buildings are constructed, toll booths are in place, and workers are focusing on interior finishing, including installing lighting, technology systems, furnishings, and landscaping.

Importantly, these new border stations are designed for streamlined processing. That means commercial and passenger vehicles alike can expect smoother inspection protocols and reduced congestion, bolstered by the latest in logistics and surveillance technology.

Smarter Tolling, Seamless Crossings

One of the most innovative aspects of the new bridge is its digital tolling system. The WDBA plans to implement windshield-mounted tags that allow for automatic, near-touchless toll payment—enabling drivers to cross the bridge in seconds without needing to come to a full stop.

While the exact toll pricing hasn’t been finalized, officials confirmed that account-based systems will be in place to help commuters and truckers manage their travel expenses and crossings easily.

"We’re encouraging the public to register online and get their tags installed,” Grondin noted. “It’s a much smoother experience that will feel almost automatic."

Community Connections: Reviving Local Streetscapes

The bridge doesn’t just cross the river—it reconnects neighborhoods that were long divided by infrastructure. In Detroit, extensive work has already been completed on I-75 ramps, service drives, and sidewalk access. At the same time, five pedestrian bridges—located at Solvay, Beard, Waterman, Junction, and Lansing—are being finalized to ensure walkability across the I-75 corridor.

In Windsor, Sandwich Street, a major artery impacted by bridge construction, is being fully revitalized. Work includes:

Repaving and new street surfacing
Improved stormwater drainage systems
Upgraded sidewalks and pedestrian safety features
Cycling infrastructure, giving commuters new options beyond just cars

The WDBA expects this work to be completed before the end of 2024, giving local residents access to cleaner, safer, and more modern infrastructure well before the bridge officially opens.

An Economic Engine on the Horizon

Beyond convenience and design, the Gordie Howe Bridge is poised to deliver significant economic returns. Analysts and stakeholders anticipate new investments in logistics, warehousing, hospitality, and manufacturing, as companies take advantage of improved cross-border access.

This is more than just a crossing—it’s a trade corridor, a supply chain accelerator, and a gateway to growth.

Already, businesses are eyeing nearby development zones in Delray, Detroit, and Windsor’s industrial hubs to build out infrastructure that supports freight and commercial activity.

Gordie Howe International Bridge, Facebook

Design, Safety, and Sustainability

Sustainability and long-term planning were top priorities for engineers behind the Gordie Howe Bridge. Safety systems are being integrated across all facets of the structure, including:

Advanced fire suppression embedded along the bridge deck and in toll structures.
Smart lighting and visibility enhancements for both drivers and maintenance crews.
Environmental protection measures to mitigate ecological disruption in the Detroit River ecosystem during and after construction.

Even the multi-use path is a deliberate nod to the future, inviting pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the scenic span—an experience currently unavailable on the Ambassador Bridge.

From Blueprint to Reality: A Public-Private Milestone

Though publicly funded by the Canadian federal government, the bridge is being delivered via a public-private partnership (P3), involving multiple stakeholders from both countries. The approach has allowed for risk-sharing, predictable budgets, and continuous updates to the public—a level of transparency that has become a point of pride for the WDBA.

At an estimated $6.4 billion CAD, this mega-project represents one of the most expensive infrastructure builds in Canada’s history, but also one of its most ambitious.

Celebration in the Works

As the final bolts are tightened and signage goes up, attention is turning to how to mark the moment. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is actively seeking community ideas for the bridge’s opening celebration. This isn’t just a ribbon-cutting—it’s the culmination of a decade of advocacy, debate, design, and drive.

Expectations are that dignitaries from both countries will be involved, alongside local artists, students, and civic leaders who have long awaited the bridge’s opening. Given its namesake, don’t be surprised if the event includes nods to hockey culture, binational cooperation, and the resilience of Detroit and Windsor.

A Legacy That Spans More Than Water

Once open, the Gordie Howe International Bridge won’t just carry vehicles—it’ll carry legacies. It reflects the grit of the workers who labored in wind, snow, and sun; the collaboration between agencies and governments; and the hope of future generations who will cross it not just out of necessity, but out of possibility.

It’s a bold reimagining of what infrastructure can be—functional, beautiful, community-forward, and ready for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.